Vietnam Profile Page & Country Research Project, AANHPI and Jewish American Heritage Months, Children's Book Week, Kodomo No Hi, Teacher Appreciation Day & Sale, World Day for Cultural Diversity, World Bee Day, International Tea Day, Hajj

May offers a special opportunity to help students learn more about the many communities that shape our country. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month both invite us to share stories, traditions, histories, and contributions that are an important part of the American story.

When we bring these voices into our classrooms, we help children learn about people and experiences they may not know much about yet. We also help many students feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are.

These conversations matter. The more our students learn about one another, the more they build curiosity, empathy, and respect. And when we teach children to value the many cultures, histories, and voices that shape our country, we help create a kinder, more understanding future for all of us.

💟

Founder & CEO, Globe Trottin' Kids​

NEW COUNTRY PROFILE: VIETNAM Explore the geography and culture of this beautiful country in Southeast Asia, known as the Land of the Blue Dragon. The profile page includes a detailed map, an infographic, an informational video, a photo gallery, book recommendations, and learning activities. Explore Vietnam

NEW COUNTRY RESEARCH PROJECT: VIETNAM Young explorers are guided through the research process to create an interactive presentation about Vietnam. Check it out! Also available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

May is

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - honoring the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of AANHPI communities in the United States. Classroom ideas:

• AANHPI Heritage Month Class Map: Create a large class map of Asia, Hawaiʻi, and the Pacific Islands. As students learn about different countries, islands, cultures, landmarks, foods, languages, artists, authors, and leaders, they add labels, images, or fact cards to the map. This helps students understand that AANHPI communities are incredibly diverse and connected to many different places.
• “Many Voices, Many Stories” Read-Aloud Series: Choose several picture books by AANHPI authors or illustrators and read one each day or week. After each book, discuss the setting, characters, traditions, and universal themes such as family, courage, belonging, friendship, or identity. Create a class anchor chart titled What We Learned From These Stories.
• Inventors, Artists, and Creators Timeline: Create a class timeline featuring AANHPI individuals from history and today. Include people from a wide range of fields, such as art, science, sports, literature, public service, and technology. Students can add illustrated timeline cards as they learn about each person.

Jewish American Heritage Month - recognizing the important role Jewish Americans have played in shaping American history, culture, science, the arts, and public life. Classroom ideas:

• Changemakers Gallery Walk: Introduce students to Jewish American authors, scientists, artists, musicians, athletes, activists, and public servants. Small groups can create mini-posters with a portrait, short biography, and a “Why this person matters” statement. Display the posters around the room and have students complete a gallery walk with reflection notes.
• Jewish American Authors and Illustrators Book Basket: Create a featured book display with works by Jewish American authors and illustrators. Students can read, review, and recommend books by writing short “Why you should read this” cards. Add the cards to a bulletin board or library display.
• Exploring Jewish Holidays Calendar: Create a whole-class calendar or timeline featuring major Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot. For each holiday, students can add a simple description, symbols, foods, traditions, and the time of year it is observed. This helps students understand that Jewish holidays often connect to themes such as reflection, gratitude, freedom, remembrance, learning, community, and celebration.

May 4-10 Children's Book Week - a national event that celebrates books for young readers.

2026 marks the 107th anniversary of this event, and this year’s slogan is Books: Get Curious - celebrating the many ways that the stories we read, share, and tell encourage and quench the curiosity inherent in every child.

Browse free resources at Every Child a Reader.

May 5 Kodomo No Hi Learn the origins of Japan's Children's Day celebration, explore its modern-day celebrations, and discover how people around the world observe it.

​Blog Post & FREE Koinobori Craft​

May 5 Teacher Appreciation Day

Peter and Paul Reynolds created the animated poem below as a tribute to teachers and their vital role in nurturing every child's learning spirit. Thank you for ALL you do!

(Click the image to watch.)

Credit: Keepers of the Flame, FableVision Studios, Boston, MA​

May 5-6 Teachers Pay Teachers SALE: Get up to 25% off using the promo code THANKYOU26.

Visit our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Matching sale prices will be available on our website. Click here!​

May 21 World Day for Cultural Diversity - celebrate the value of the world’s many cultures, traditions, languages, and ways of life.

Help students appreciate differences, notice similarities, and learn how respectful dialogue can build understanding.

• Read multicultural books.
• Learn greetings from different languages (free printable memory & matching games).
• Explore global art.
• Listen to live radio around the world.
• Play global games.
• Create multicultural crafts.
• Practice math skills in an international marketplace.

May 20 World Bee Day - raise awareness about the important role bees and other pollinators play in keeping our planet healthy. Bees help pollinate many of the fruits, vegetables, nuts, and flowers people and animals depend on.

​Classroom Resources -The Bee Conservancy | Build a Bee Home -Charlesbridge

May 21 International Tea Day

From ancient ceremonies in China to sweet mint tea in Morocco, tea is more than just a beverage – it’s a cultural bridge connecting people across continents. Info, Books & Activities Here!​

May 24 Hajj - an important Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Each year, Muslims from around the world gather to pray, reflect, and take part in special rituals that honor their faith. Learning about Hajj can help young students build an understanding of Muslim traditions, global communities, and the ways people express their beliefs.

Lit Connection:

So many people, so many languages.​ ​‘Thank you’ can be a simple smile, a friendly wave, a warm hug.​ ​ Mariam is one of millions of people from all over the world who has come to Makkah for the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, and she overflows with excitement and awe. Mama tells her, "Hajj is a time to do good, share, and be thankful." But what good can Mariam do? That's it! She'll share Zamzam, blessed water from an ancient well, with everyone she meets. ​ As Mariam shares her Zamzam throughout Hajj, she meets friends from all over the world. From fellow pilgrims, she learns new ways to say thank you, tries new foods and drinks, and discovers that when you share with and help others, someone will help you when you need it too. -Amazon​ ​Discussion Guide | Coloring Page - Freebies From Barefoot Books​​​​

Summer Reading Challenge

Direct Download: Read Your World Summer Challenge​

Also check out: 2026 Summer Reading Programs: Kids Earn Free Books, Pizza, and More! ​

​​​

Disclosure: Our newsletter contains affiliate links. By clicking through and making a purchase, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. All proceeds help support our free global education website. Thank you!

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​